The NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo called all parties to refrain from actions “that could inflame tensions or cause escalation”.
In line with its mandate, KFOR is ready “to take all necessary actions to ensure a safe environment in a neutral and impartial manner”.
The mission confirmed this Monday morning it has increased its presence in the four Municipalities of northern Kosovo, following the latest developments in the area.
“The aim of KFOR’s presence is to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, in accordance with its mandate,” said a statement.
“The KFOR Commander [Angelo Michele Ristuccia] remains in close contact with his main interlocutors, including the representatives of the Institutions and Security Organizations in Kosovo, the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, as well as the EU-led Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) and other representatives of the international community,” the statement further provides.
KFOR says the EU-led dialogue between Kosovo and Pristina is the only way to reduce tensions and lead to peace and normalization.
#KFOR statement pic.twitter.com/dIBDfAAhqQ
— NATO Kosovo Force – KFOR (@NATO_KFOR) May 29, 2023
Kosovo Police says that the protests in the northern municipalities are ongoing, while Serb List representatives have forwarded two requests for the withdrawal of protesters.
Asked by journalist Xhemajl Rexha reporting from Leposavić on behalf of Euronews Albania, Serb List representative Igor Simić explained their requests.
“The citizens want to be free, enter their municipal offices and work. The mayor inside the building is illegitimate. He was only elected mayor with 100 votes and he must immediately leave. The presence of the Kosovo Police is illegitimate, they should not be here. The situation must turn to normal immediately, people must do their jobs and KFOR forces should retreat,” Simić told Rexha.
Tensions in the north of Kosovo escalated since May 26th, when Kosovo Police had to assist the newly elected mayors in entering municipal buildings.
The international community condemned the decision and considered it “forced entry”, calling on the Government of Kosovo “to refrain from further taking unilateral and destabilizing actions.”
However, Pristina supported the decision, calling all actions legitimate.
The new Albanian mayors were elected on April 23rd, after previous mayors coming from the Serb List resigned, due to a Kosovo Government decision to carry out the re-registration of vehicles with illegal Serbian license plates.
The Serb List abandoned all Kosovo institutions and boycotted the elections, leading to the non-recognition of the elected Albanian mayors.
